A Perfect Ending to a Historic Career
Terence “Bud” Crawford is done with boxing, and this time he means it. In December 2025, at 38 years old, the former undisputed champion shocked the sport by announcing his retirement just weeks after the biggest victory — and payday — of his career. Crawford dominated Canelo Alvarez to claim every major super middleweight title, adding one final, emphatic chapter to an already legendary résumé.
Unlike many fighters who tease retirement only to return for another check, Crawford has made it clear there will be no encore. The timing was intentional. He left at the top, undefeated, and fully in control of his decision.
Why Money Was Never Enough
Appearing on The Pivot Podcast, Crawford was asked directly whether an enormous offer — $80 million, $100 million — could tempt him back into the ring. His answer was immediate and firm.
“No,” he said. “Now you’re selling your soul.”
When the idea was jokingly framed as a sacrifice worth making, Crawford pushed back, turning the moment into a reflection on values rather than finances. For him, boxing was never about chasing the biggest check. It was about becoming a world champion and fulfilling a goal he set for himself as a child.
Once he reached the summit and collected every belt worth winning, the money became secondary. The accolades, the titles, and the legacy mattered more than squeezing out one last payday.
Choosing Life After Boxing
Crawford has long said he wanted to leave the sport before it took something from him he couldn’t get back. Years of training camps, injuries, and unspoken wear and tear weighed heavily on his decision.
He had originally planned to retire after defeating Errol Spence Jr., and while he extended his run to chase greatness at higher weights, the toll was impossible to ignore. Crawford didn’t want boxing to force him out. He wanted to walk away healthy enough to enjoy life, his family, and the rewards of decades of sacrifice.
After more than 30 years in the sport — from the age of seven to the age of 38 — Crawford felt there was nothing left to prove. He leaves behind a flawless 42-0 record, 31 knockouts, and one of the most complete careers boxing has ever seen. For Crawford, the decision was simple: he gave boxing everything, but he refused to give it his future.
